Steve Klipin heads the ticket, joined by long time Bellingen locals, Linda Dalton and Michelle Stockton, and by Dorrigo foodie Kenton Shaw. The group is committed to Council’s core objective of sustainable development; and prizes engagement with community stakeholders.

Local solicitor and community organiser Linda Dalton said: “Efficient management of the core functions of council (such as rates and roads) is vital however, council could also play a role in coordinating local talents and facilitating community initiatives which lead to a cohesive and strong sense of community”.

Michelle Stockton, fresh from her successful initiative with the Bellingen Men’s shed concurs that Council’s potential to influence activities at a grass roots level is often overlooked and should be developed.

Steve Klipin (Klip’s Dips and Chrysalis School) and Kenton Shaw (Mistys, Dorrigo Wholefoods and the restaurant at the Bellingen Golf Club), who have both run businesses and not for profit enterprises in the Bellingen Shire for 15 years, endorse the importance of a financially sustainable council.

“Financial sustainability is crucial for local independence. They also believe that for Council to effectively represent the community it must engage and consult in a meaningful way. Council must operate with vision, respect, efficiency and due process so that the best outcomes for the community can be attained,” they said.

Steve Klipin concluded: “If elected to local council each member of this group will serve the community, looking towards the future and acting with fairness, integrity and independence on behalf of the people of the Bellingen Shire”.